Travel Itinerary Changes – Last-Minute Flights vs Scenic Trains – Should We Ditch Seville for Paris?

So we were all ready to go soak up the sunshine in Seville… we had booked accommodations, researched things to do and then our “property manager” of the place we booked turned out to be a shady character trying to get out of paying the rental platform fees. But then it also turns out it’s Easter week, and apparently, things get a little… different… around town during religious holidays (who knew, right?) (didn’t even occur to us to check the holidays, lesson learned!)

Unexpected Changes to our Travel Itinerary

The original plan, after Faro Portugal, was a multi-city itinerary; Seville for seven days, then to Paris for a 5 or 6 days, then west out to Caen and a ferry to Portsmouth, England then make our way inland for our pet sit.

Okay, well, I say original plan…. Let’s rewind that. The original, original plan was to leave Faro, Portugal March 20th and hit a few cities to the north (Seville, Madrid, Barcelona) for 2 or 3 nights each winding up in Paris, France about the 27th. Then we had a ferry booked from Calais to Dover on April 2nd.

Discovery of additional ferry routes that landed in Portsmouth led to some discussion about why would we go east, take a ferry and then go west since our first pet sit was near Southampton, England. So the Calais ferry was canceled in favor of leaving from Caen, France directly to Portsmouth on Apr 4th.

Until last week that gap in between March 20th and April 4th was still just blank spaces on the calendar surrounded by vague discussions of all the places we COULD go.

Last week we decided that we would go to Seville, Spain for 7 nights and then go to Paris. We researched all the accommodation options in Seville, found a place that was an acceptable combination of price, location and amenities and booked it. That process typically takes us a couple of hours, BTW.

Yay; we made a decision ! Go, us !

The host messaged the following day saying that she was having issues getting paid by the platform (VRBO) on a prior reservation and if they didn’t get it handled by the next day, she would cancel our reservation and we could just pay her directly when we got to Seville. That’s pretty much a hard pass from us.

Travel Tip: A Host might cancel your reservation and request a direct booking to avoid platform fees. While this could lead to a slightly cheaper rate, be cautious! You lose the platform’s guest protections and secure payment processing. If you decide to proceed, communicate clearly about payment methods, cancellations, and guarantees before sending any money directly to the host.

We were adventuring the next day so while we sat out at a pastelaria here in Faro enjoying our coffee and pastries the next day, we discussed the ‘what ifs?’ regarding the potential cancelation. We basically decided that if she DID cancel, we could consider that a minor blessing and maybe we would go back to Lisbon for a week and head to Paris from there.

So, I messaged her back later that afternoon (yesterday as I’m writing this) and said that if she was having issues with VRBO we didn’t want to be involved. If she canceled our reservation we would consider it canceled and would make other plans. (Had I checked email first I would have seen the cancelation notice that had come through 20 minutes prior, LOL.) She almost immediately replied that she could give us a better deal on price and that I should ‘check her ratings’ because she is ‘a serious person’. She didn’t specifically mention the bridge she was selling in Brooklyn, but, ya know…. Serious people don’t play silly games.

Now, everything’s up in the air. Do we find another place to stay in Seville or do we drop back 20 and punt? Paris, the City of Lights, is whispering sweet nothings in our ears. Remember that trip years ago? Amazing, but way too short. Or maybe we swing back through Lisbon? We barely scratched the surface there, and there’s so much history begging to be explored. Heck, maybe we could even do both – Lisbon and then Paris? Talk about a whirlwind of travel with two European beauties!

Update: As I was writing this our almost host messaged me saying that she got her issue with VRBO resolved and if we wanted to re-book we can. Yeah, sorry. That train has sailed.

Train vs. Plane: Weighing the Options

The other wrinkle in the planning process fabric? Transportation. We decided against renting a car while we travel, so that means exploring the use of mass transit in Europe i.e., trains, planes, and buses galore. Schedules are gonna be our new best friend (or worst enemy, depending on how many connections we have to deal with). Do we savor the experience and the scenic route with buses and trains, soaking up the local flavor? Or do we search for cheap flights in Europe and fly straight to Paris? The flight is reasonable, even with our checked bags on Usurious Overcharge Airways it’s just under $300. The combination of trains works out to be more like $600. But, with the train we get to actually SEE things. A significant factor in the discussion is that we both hate the hassles of flying. Not the flights; it’s the lead up to the flight – getting to the airport 2 hours early, dealing with the security theater, last minute gate changes, hassles with luggage, it all is just so absurd. Decisions, decisions…

Travel Planning Fun

This is where the real travel planning fun begins, right Jeff? We gotta weigh the pros and cons, figure out a budget that won’t make us cry into our pastel de nata (those delicious Portuguese custard tarts, you gotta try them if you go to Lisbon!), and ultimately, decide which adventure beckons the loudest. One thing’s for sure, though – this little Easter egg hunt in Seville has turned into a full-blown itinerary reshuffle! But hey, that’s half the fun of travel, isn’t it? Embracing the unexpected and turning detours into unforgettable stories. Maybe we’ll even send a postcard to our shady VRBO host – from Paris, of course!

Budget Travel Tips for Unexpected Changes:

Travel detours can throw a wrench in your perfectly planned itinerary and budget. But fear not, budget-savvy explorers! Here are some tips to navigate unexpected changes without breaking the bank:

• Embrace Flexibility: Be open to alternative destinations. If Seville falls through, research similar cities in Spain or Portugal that might offer cheaper accommodation or off-season deals. Tools like Omio can help you find budget-friendly options based on your travel dates.
• Become a Date Juggler: Play with your travel dates. Sometimes shifting your travel dates by a few days can significantly impact flight and accommodation prices. Consider traveling during the week or shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid peak season pricing.
• Rethink Transportation: While high-speed trains offer a scenic journey, they can be expensive. Consider budget-friendly alternatives like slower regional trains, overnight trains (great for saving on accommodation costs!), or long-distance buses.
• Accommodation Alternatives: Hostels or guesthouses can offer comfortable and social lodging at a fraction of the cost of hotels. Consider private rooms in hostels if you crave some privacy.
• Think Outside the Platform: While booking platforms offer convenience, explore local listings or reach out to smaller, independent accommodations directly. You might find better deals by communicating directly with the property owner.
• Embrace the Culinary Scene: Skip expensive tourist traps and explore local markets, cafes, and street food stalls. Not only will you get a taste of authentic cuisine, but it can be a much more budget-friendly way to experience the local culture.
• Free and Cheap Activities: Most cities offer a wealth of free or cheap activities. Research pay-what-you-please walking tours, ticket discounts, public parks, and cultural events. Many cities offer discount passes that bundle entry to multiple attractions for a lower overall cost.
• Become a Discount Ninja: Look for student or senior discounts on attractions and transportation. Tip: Be aware that while some museums offer free admission on specific days or evenings, the discount usually only applies to residents. Download travel apps that aggregate discounts and deals for your chosen destinations.

Remember, unexpected changes can lead to amazing discoveries! By staying flexible and employing these budget travel tips, you can turn a travel detour into a unique and affordable adventure.